Daniel Riolo revealed on Monday the identity of one of the favorites to become the next president of Olympique de Marseille. The After Foot member explained that journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi is among the options, or at least his name is “circulating,” to succeed Pablo Longoria at the helm of the Phocéen club.
With Pablo Longoria leaving and Medhi Benatia on the way out, OM is expected to have a busy off-season. In search of a new president to lead the club, owner Frank McCourt could opt for a surprising choice according to Daniel Riolo on RMC this Monday. According to the After Foot member, journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi could become the next president of Marseille.
“The name that circulates the most is Mohamed Bouhafsi,” he stated. “I think he’s an excellent fit for this position. From a sports, political, or Marseille societal perspective, he ticks all the boxes. He knows Frank McCourt, he knows Medhi Benatia who is leaving, he knows Habib Beye if he is to stay, the players, the agents… His network and connections in football are very important,” continued Riolo, regarding the former RMC Sport editor, now host of C à vous on France 5 and leader of an audiovisual branch of Mediawan.
“For Daniel Riolo, Mohamed Bouhafsi’s young age (33 years) and lack of experience in running a football club are not disqualifying factors. “He lacks the experience to lead a football club, but like Michel Denisot, Jean-Michel Aulas, Charles Biétry… The only thing he doesn’t have according to McCourt is the experience. But he has experience leading a branch of Mediawan, with over 100 people, so he’s used to it. I also remind you that Nasser al-Khelaïfi was a tennis teacher with no football experience and didn’t know Paris or PSG. There is no model or profile with prerequisites for this position. It doesn’t exist.”
And to add, “His name is circulating, he is known in Marseille, and Frank McCourt knows him.”
Beyond the information on Mohamed Bouhafsi’s name being in the mix for the OM presidency, Daniel Riolo goes further. According to his information, the journalist is attracted by such a challenge at the helm of his beloved club.
“I know it interests him, I know it’s one of his life goals,” added the After Foot member. “We knew him when he was very young, but that was fifteen years ago, he has made his way. I think in terms of sports, politics, the city of Marseille, and Marseille society as a whole, he fits perfectly.”
And Daniel Riolo concluded, “Everyone knows the connections we have. But if I say it, it’s because his name is circulating. I think it’s a good idea, like I would give my opinion for anyone else, and I think it’s a good idea. I don’t hide anything, people know we are very close.”
– Context: Speculation about Mohamed Bouhafsi potentially becoming the next president of Olympique de Marseille. – Fact Check: Double-check the accuracy of the information regarding Mohamed Bouhafsi’s potential presidency.
